Impact of Right to Disconnect Laws
A recent ADP poll highlights that 38% of working Australians are contacted outside of their contracted work hours at least once a week, revealing ongoing challenges in achieving work-life balance.
Antenna, an independent research agency, conducted the survey online with 1,019 Australians between 28th and 31st January 2026. The data was weighted to reflect national representation based on the 2021 ABS Census.
Another 27% of Australians report receiving work-related communications once or twice a month, while 21% are unable to disconnect from work entirely.
These findings emerge two years after the Right to Disconnect laws were introduced in Australia. These laws grant eligible employees the right to refuse work-related communications outside their normal hours.
Work-Life Balance Challenges
Despite the legislation, 27% of respondents indicated that work-related stress has impacted their personal relationships in the past year. 25% struggled to prioritise their health and wellbeing due to work commitments.
Judy Barnett, Operations Director at ADP, remarked, “Technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with our colleagues, but these results show that connection can come at a cost.”
Barnett further highlighted that the Right to Disconnect laws have sparked important discussions about workplace boundaries. She added, “For Australian organisations, this is an opportunity to reset expectations with their employees and build cultures where work-life balance is truly respected and encouraged.”
The introduction of these laws has broadened a national conversation about what employers should reasonably expect from their staff, especially in hybrid and remote work environments.
Platforms like ADP© Lyric HCM can support employers by providing greater visibility into their employees’ working patterns, helping track employee time, scheduling, and absences more effectively.
By managing overtime and supporting employee wellbeing, these tools aim to reduce the risk of burnout among workers.
Since the commencement of the Right to Disconnect laws in 2024, there has been a significant shift in how Australian workplaces address work-life balance. These laws have been instrumental in encouraging more flexible work environments and establishing clear boundaries for employees.
According to the survey, the challenge extends beyond personal inconveniences. The mental health of employees is at stake, with many finding it difficult to detach from work responsibilities even outside of office hours.
ADP, as a global leader in HR and payroll solutions, continues to innovate and provide solutions that help businesses manage employee welfare effectively. Their tools are designed to enhance productivity while ensuring employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:46 am
